It’s been a crazy first few days in Phnom Penh. We made it here and through customs with all luggage accounted for and documents properly stamped, met up with Nimol (the AMAZING in-country co-ordinator for Outreach International), and we’ve been on the go ever since. We’ve settled into our apartment (separate post to follow with pics), met the two other volunteers we will be sharing the apartment with, toured the city with Nimol, explored the nearby Russian Market, and visited the infamous Killing Fields. Tomorrow we’re planning on stocking up on groceries and relaxing all day before things get going again on Monday. We’ll be visiting our respective projects on Tuesday and officially start on Wednesday.
A special shout out to Nimol, who has taken care of every possible need, answered every question, and generally made us feel extremely welcome in Cambodia. So glad she’s been here to help us get on our feet!
Biggest adjustment so far: the heat (Laura) and the traffic (Tyler). It was a cool 34 degrees Celsius today (44 with the humidity), a slight difference from the snow and freezing rain in New Brunswick. As for the traffic, people are supposed to drive on the right side of the road, but most intersections don’t have lights and people generally drive wherever they please. Little bit nerve wracking the first time you see a tuk-tuk driving head on before veering off down a side road. Sidewalks = non-existant, so pedestrians walk on the shoulder of the road. Also, up to four people routinely squeeze onto motorcycles and it doesn’t slow them down at all. So glad we don’t have to drive anywhere ourselves! The tuk-tuks we use are very familiar with the program and drive extremely carefully, nothing for us to worry about.
There and Back Again 